Astwood's bid to join the ranks of professional players in England.

Astwood has been offered a one-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months, at First Division side Preston North End. But the move is on hold until the Government in England makes a decision over whether to grant the international a work permit.

The player's initial application was rejected out of hand and so the matter went to appeal earlier this week. A decision had been expected on Tuesday evening but was delayed until yesterday.

Now The Royal Gazette has learned the matter will not be resolved until next Tuesday at the earliest.

In a fax sent to Bermuda's assistant national coach Mark Trott, Janet Parr, personal assistant to Preston North End's chief executive, Tony Scholes, said: "They have deferred the decision until Tuesday for the Minister to consider over the weekend. I hope this is good news.'' Trott said he believed the length of time it was taking for a decision to be made was a good thing, as such matters were normally decided at the time of any appeal.

A spokesman for Preston North End said although the odds had been stacked against them getting a permit for Astwood from the very beginning, he was worth the time and effort.

"The club believe that the effort is justified, despite the obstacles, if it means David Moyes can add another good player, with lots of promise, to the squad,'' he said.

Goals win matches and the touring Bermuda Under-16 side were given a painful reminder of the fact after they dominated yet lost 2-1 against Dutch hosts Quick Nijmegen yesterday.

An early goal from striker Ryan Nesbitt gave Bermuda the boost they needed following two losses. And it appeared to be a sign of many to come as Bermuda controlled the match.

They were denied by the crossbar, upright and the opposing 'keeper.

But Quick showed the value of taking opportunities with two strikes midway through the second half and, after Bermuda again hit the woodwork, saw those goals hold up until the end.

Team manager Cal Smith was pleased with the effort, coming off defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and a Japanese Select.

"This was a much better showing,'' he said. "They started off with the intensity they ended the last game and really went after these guys.'' Bermuda will have a light training session today before taking part in a tournament tomorrow.